Red Clover During Pregnancy

Q: Hello,

I have been taking red clover dried blossoms as an infusion tea a few times a day. I may be pregnant and am wondering whether it is safe or recommended to take during pregnancy. I have had 2 miscarriages this year, so I want to be safe (I am forty years old and have a 2 year old daughter). Thanks so much for your time.

A: I do not know that Red Clover would support a miscarriage. It is certainly not used to help one who intends to miscarry. For the general population, if using it to help conceive, I would encourage one to keep drinking the blossom infusion until you are sure you have conceived, then gradually switch over to Red Raspberry leaf and Nettle infusions. However, if you have concern I would prefer you make the decision. If you miscarry you may think it was the Red Clover. And each knows her body more intimately than someone else. I personally see this herb as wonderfully nourishing, and later nourishing to your abundant breast milk as well :)

Please let me know if I can help further. I hear you wish to be pregnant and so I wish a blessed pregnancy and child for you too :)

Blessings,

Karen Joy

wisewoman@herbshealing.com

www.wisewomanweb.com

Comments

[PreggoAfter40]

It is not recommended to take during pregnancy because of its estrogenic effect.

[KarenJoy]

Yes, some do not recommend it in pregnancy because it contains phytoestrogens. Others see it as not so much necessary so focus on it prior to pregnancy to help conception, and right after birth to benefit breast milk.

Karen Joy

[Rose]

So, as I sit here nursing my 7-week old daughter, I can tell you that I drank red clover to enhance my chances (two miscarriages in 1.5 years- all genetic problems- trisomy 16) and drank it copiously during the pregnancy as well since the red rasberry leaf (which I can drink now- my body simply rejected it while I was pregnant...)simply didn't stay down (most things didn't, honestly). She is perfect and healthy and strong.......and nursing strongly and sleeping deeply and is a happy healthy baby.......

as Karen says, listen to your body wisdom- it and your baby (should you chose to continue) know best..........

BTW- I am 44 and the doctors told me I didn't stand a chance with my "history".......

[Rose]

oooo- sincerest apologies for the "should you chose to continue" statement- I crossed wires in my head with a different posting- wishing you a happy healthy baby!

postpartum brain misfire, alas....

[Ceney Smith]

Rose, congratulations. What did you actually do to conceive? What herbs and maybe other means did you use? I would be grateful for the information. All the best to you and your baby, kind regards, Ceney

[sudu]

Now I too suffer from "unexplained infertility". We have been trying to conceive for almost 2 yrs now- I know it doesn't sound much but its a long long time. Anyway I have tried almost all herbs for conceiving- vitex, red raspberry, nettles. But I had completely forgotten about red clover - so tried it this month just for 2 weeks. Now I am 5 days late for my period. I did test but it came negative. So what is wrong. Is it the red clover (I just used red clover blossom steeped in hot water)? Is it known to disrupt the cycle in anyway? I have stopped taking it now. I am going to wait another week before I rush to the doctor. Any thoughts?

[Barbara Amos]

Does anyone have a remedy for carrying successfully? We have been trying for 3 years and have lost 3 pregnancies. Any help would be appreciated.

[Nancy]

The first thing you want to check is your thyroid. You need a healthy thyroid to carry a pregnancy,+ a lot of iodine. Unfortunately, docs have forgotten about this important "detail". To make matters worse, today's thyroid's test ranges are too broad, thus, many times people with hypothyroidism go undetected. Your TSH should be around 2. But even better than a blood test, you should just check your temperature in the morning: it should be 97.8-98.2, lower than that= hypothyroidism.

[Lori]

I would add to Nancy's comment about thyroid and temperature, that the time of month to check it is the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th day of menstruation. If the average basal temperature is belore 97.8, the thyroid may need a gentle nudge (iodine).